Feed table for sheet feeding mechanism



Aug. 14, 1934; c T 1,969,946

FEED TABLE FOR SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed June 16. 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Aug. 14, 1934. F, ROOT 1,969,946

FEED TABLE FOR SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed June 16, 1931 4 Shets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR.

ATTORN .5-

Aug. 14, 1934. I c F ROOT 1,969,946

FEED TABLE FOR SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed June 16, 1931 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 so k 29 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY}:

Aug. 14, 1934. Q E ROOT- 1,969,946

TABLE FOR SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM Filed June 16, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR.

A TTORNEY Patented Aug. 14, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT QFFICE FEED TABLE FOR SHEET FEEDING MECHANISM a corporation of Ohio Application June 16, 1931, Serial No. 544,754

15 Claims.

For effective operation of automatic press feeders, an uninterrupted adequate supply of feed stock should be maintained in reach of the feeder. If this be attempted by hand supply, it requires an undesirable amount of attention on the part of an attendant. If a mechanical supply be attempted by a feed magazine which is reset and refilled by hand every time the feeder has removed the last sheet, the amount of interruption 0 and time loss is still disproportionate. Construction affording a continuous type magazinemeans for holding stacked sheets in relation with a sheet-transferring means is accordingly an important desideratum in the art and highly desirable.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principle of the invention may be employed.

In said annexed drawings:-

Fig. 1 is a side elevational View of construction embodying the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the magazine feed-means and directly adjacent structure; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the feed table assembly; Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the same; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on a plane indicated by line V-V, Fig. 3; Figs. 6, 6a, and 7 are fragmentary views of details; and Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 are elevational views of the drive and control details, the first-named figures being on a slightly enlarged scale and the last-named figure being on reduced scale.

Referring more particularly tothe drawings, there is shown a platen printing press or so-called Gordon type press whose frame 2, fly-wheel 3, inking-supply 4 and drive motor 5 are of wellknown construction and arrangement. Mounted in relation is a pneumatic press-feeder comprising a movable arm 6 carrying suckers '7 (see Fig. 2), arranged to travel between a stack of feed sheets S and the press; a further pneumatic or sucker-carrying arm 8 being also arranged to operate between the press and the discharge position. The detail of the pneumatic arms and actuating structure being well-known, and set forth in my prior patents, including Patent No. 1,616,476, further particularization with respect thereto is here unnecessary, it being sufficient to point out that the pneumatic press-feeder means operates between the stack of sheets and the press; and the feed magazine or feed table, to be detailed more particularly hereinafter, operates directly in relation therewith to handle the stacks of sheets.

Mounted by convenient support means, for instance a post 10, which may be rounded or of a cylindrical section below, is a table 11. The post 10 may seat in or be guided by a frame member 12 which may be secured to the end-frame 2 of the press by any suitable means, for instance bolts. With a cylindrical section for such post, such turning or adjustment-movement as may be desired may readily be had, as incurred in positioning the table 11 with respect to the press. Vertical adjustment is likewise provided for, and the post and the super-incumbent members may then be held in desired position by suitable means, for instance a set screw. Desirably also, the upper end of the post where connected to the table 11, may be provided with tilting-adjustment means; for instance spaced lugs 14 (see Fig. 4) extending down from the attachment plate 15 secured to the table 11, serving to accommodate the head of the post. A bolt and set-nut 16 may then tighten the connection, as adjusted in whatever tilted position may be found desirable for the table.

In its detail construction, the table 11 may vary somewhat, but will provide a sheet-stack receiving surface 1'7 of suitable form. On such support or base then, the sheets or stacks are progressively forwarded, a continuous-type means being afforded. In the construction illustrated, spaced endless belts 18, 19 are mounted on sprockets 20, 21, 22, 23, the sprockets being secured to shafts 24, 25, suitably mounted in side frames 26. Desirably, one of the shafts, as shaft 24, is adjustable for chain-take-up, for instance being carried by a slide 27 mounted in the end of the frame 26 and having an adjusting screw 28, whereby proper tension on the chain-belts may be maintained. At each side of the table, a corresponding pair of chains 18, 19, then forms a carrier-way in which the sheet-stacks are forwarded in continuously-progressive manner, the chains being respectively driven such that the inside run of each travels in the same direction, from rear to front of the table. Secured to each pair of chains 18, 19, at intervals, are angle-irons 105 or pick-up cleats 29, these being so arrangedas to in their forward movement engage and carry along stack-supporting plates or panel-boards 30 which, until picked up by the chain-cleats,

rest primarily against support brackets 31 at the the framing.

rear of the table. The plates or separators 30 may be made of any suitable material, conveniently for instance of wood, reinforced by end strips 32 and a central strip 33. Desirably, a handle 34 may be secured at the back. Extending forwardly over the table 11 is a pair of guides 35, and these may be in the form of arms supported at the rear on a bar 36, the arms being slidably adjustable thereon, and being secured by set-screws or the like 37. In such manner, ace curate end guidance of stacks of various size stock may be readily had. Arranged so as to be adjustable along the back of the plates or separators 30, blocks 38 may be provided, for instance being engageable by a reduced extension 39 (see Fig. 7) between metal-facings 40 on the plate 30. With the latter slotted or provided with elongated cut-outs 41 (see Fig. 5), the blocks 38 may be adjusted to desired position, for example adjacent the guide-arms 35, and may be bolted fast, by bolts 42.

The chains 18, etc., on their inner run may be guided and guarded by track-channels 43. At intervals, on posts opposite the pick-up cleats the chains may carry rollers 44, these being provided with a suitable mounting, as an extension pintle 45 carrying the respective rollers at each end thereof. With spaced rollers fore and aft of the cleat, engagement in the track-way is such as to prevent disalignment in the chain links, as the Meat 29 sustains the thrust load of the stack of sheets being carried along. slippage of the panel 30 out of engagement with the cleats is thus obviated. The cleats or angles 29 may be secured to the chain-links by an intermediate support-strip 4.6, screws or rivets completing the attachment.

The sets of chains 18, 19, are driven in synchronization by shaft 47 (see Fig. 11), bevel gearing 49, 50, 51, 52, transmitting the motion to the respective sprocket shafts 25. On shaft 47 a bevel gear 53 meshes with an intermediate gear 55 carried by drive shaft 56. The latter is operated through bevel gearing 57, 58, by shaft 59 (see Fig. 9), which in turn is actuated by a ratchet-combination including a ratchet-wheel 60, pawl 61, pawl throw-sector 62, and ratchetoperatin arm 63 (see Fig. 10) The ratchet-operating arm 63 is in turn actuated by the throw of a bell-crank lever 64 (see Fig. 1) the two members being pivotally connected at 65, and thebellcrank lever being'mounted on a fulcrum 66 carried by th framing, the other arms 67 of the bell-crank lever extending over a cam 68 and being operated thereby, a cam-roller 69 being interposed. The extension of the arm 67 of the bellcrank lever engages between collars 70, 71, to reciprocate a slide-rod in the lower fixed tubular guide 72 and a convenient bracket-bearing 73 on The collar 71 may desirably be adjustable. The cam 68 is secured to and rotated by ashaft '74'which may be driven by the printing press proper, or may in fact be one of the shafts thereof. A coil spring 75 on a rod 76 which is pivoted to the arm 64 of the bell-crank lever, serves to urge the lever-arm 67 and its roller 69 in continuous working engagement with the cam 68. The rod 76 may be slid ably mounted in a lug 77 provided on the framing. At its upper end, the 'sliderod 72 is connected by a universal joint 78 to an extension slide-rod 79 which operates portions of the pneumatic press-feeder sucker-carrying mechanism,

the slide-rod 79' having a cross-head 80 which travels in a guide 81. The sucker-carrying feeder structure being already well-known through my patent aforesaid, further detail in this direction is here unnecessary.

From the construction so far described, it will be seen that the continuously driven shaft 74 from the printing press may operate the cam 68, the bell-crank lever 64 and the ratchet-throw 63, to turn the shaft 59 progressively; and correspondingly, through the gearing 58, 57, the shaft 56 drives the chain-actuating shafts 47, 48, and provides forward movement for the chains for continuous'conveyors 18, 19, etc. This movement however, is directly controlled in its rate, in accordance with therequirement presented by the stack of sheets being fed to the press. In the path of the sheet-stack S, as carried forward by the endless conveyor system 18, 19, etc., (the stack however, being also progressively diminished as the sheets are picked off by the pressfeeder arm), is a control-arm or feeler 82 (see Figs. 1 and 2). This is-arranged to bear against the face of the foremost sheet in the stack, and is secured at its upper end'to a rock-shaft 83 mounted in abracket-arm 84 carried by a sideframe. An adjustment for the set of the throw of the feeler-arm 82 may be provided, this comprising for instance a screw or a threaded stem secured to the feeler-arm by a pin or other suitable means, and being surrounded by a thrust spring 85 which bears between the arm (which is pivotally suspended on the rock-shaft) and the bracket portion 86 which is fixed to the rock-shaft. A nut 87 and a set nut 88 screwthreaded on the aforesaid stein then serve to adjust it, and with it the feeler-arm 82, and correspondingly gauge the angle of throw thereof with respect to the movement of the rockshaft. At its outer end, the rock shaft 83 is provided with a rocker-arm 89, to which is pivotally connected a link 90. The latter is pivotally connected at its lower end to a lever 91. fulcrumed at 92 (see Fig. 8) in the end of a bracket 93 which extends from under the table. The lever 91 at its inner end is pivotally connected to an actuating-rod 94 whose lower end is connected with the stud of the cam-roller 69 on bell-crank lever arm 67, afore-Jescrib'ed. A spring 95 may be provided to normally urge the rod 94 downwardly to assist continuous engagement of the cam roller 69 with its actuating cam 68, and also maintain the upper portion of the arm-lever system in correct position. At its inher end, the lever 91 is also'pivotally connected with a control-rod 96 which moves up and down in suitable guide-ways, for instance a bracket 97. Near its lower end, the control-rod 96 carries a finger 98.

As will be seen from this construction, the feeler-arm 82 will change its position in accordance with the differential of the forward-drive movement of the endless conveyor system (advancing the stack of sheets), and the diminution of the stack on the other hand, as it is fed away by the sucker-arm in supplying the press platen. It will be understood, of course, arm is swung up out of the way at each approach of the press-feeding sucker-arm for a new sheet, and as the sucker-arm then swings away with its sheet, the feeler-al'm swings back down into contact with the foremost sheet on the stack. Asthe stack melts away, the feelerarm d n ly swings progressively further back. Through the associated le system however, the control-rod 96 is pushed fu and fu ther down, until the finger 98 thru t that the feeleragainst lever 99 (see Fig. 9). The latter is pivoted to the framing at 100, and at its outer end bears against a lug 101 on a pawl-lock lever 102, pivoted to the frame at 103. Until so displaced, this pawl-lock lever 102 lies over the extension 104 of the pawl 61, thereby holding it out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel 60. The pawl 61 is thus, in accordance with circumstances, either free to engage the ratchet-wheel 60, progressing the same steadily with each throw of the actuating arm 63, or when the pawl-lock lever 102 is in position the pawl 61 is held out of engagement with the ratchet 60, and for the time being the shaft 51 is not actuated by the throws of the arm 63. The pawl-lock lever 102 is biased by suitable means, for instance a weighted portion 105, so as to normally tend to a position over the pawl 61, to hold it out of operation.

The operation of the entire mechanism will be readily understood from the foregoing. A stack of sheets to be fed to the printing press is placed by an attendant against the support or pusher board or panel 30 as the latter rests against the brackets 31 at the rear of the table 11, the stack of sheets being positioned between the guide-arms 35 (these being adjusted on the support-rod 36 to appropriate spacing, and being clamped by the set-screws 37). If the size of the stack is not sufiicient to bring the foremost sheet into suitable contact with the feeler 82 at the front of the table, the entire stack may be quickly advanced by the attendant by turning the handcrank 106 (see Fig. 2). This operates the shaft 4'7, and sprocket shafts 25, and correspondingly advances the chains 18, 19, in synchronism, and the first angle or cleat 29 engages the pusher 30 and carries the same with the stack of sheets forward to the extent desired. The ratchet connection beneath, of course, allows this independent accelerated adjustment feed. Fine adjustments of forward feed may also be had, in any case desired, by manipulation of the hand-wheel 107 on the chain-drive actuating shaft 56. With the printing press operating, as driven for instance by the motor 5, the sucker-carrying feeder-arm 6 will, between reciprocation of the press, swing around and upwardly, and pick off the foremost sheet from the stack S, the feeler 82 being at the time swung up out of the way of the feederarm, and the feeder-arm then swings back and deposits the sheet on the press-platen. The feeler 82 correspondingly swings into engagement with the next sheet of the stack. With the ensuing reciprocation of the press, the sheet is printed, the press opens, and the sucker-carrying arm 8 advances, picks up the printed sheet, retreats to the discharge pile D and deposits the printed sheet thereon. With the movements of the press, the shaft 74 driven thereby is continuously rotating, carrying the cam 68, and at each rotation thereof operating the roller 69 on the raise, and reciprocating the slide-rod '79 (thereby providing movement for the sucker-arm mechanism, as need not be detailed), and at the same time reciprocating the actuating-rod 94 and the bellcrank 64. The rod 94 in its reciprocation, rocks the lever 91, and through the link 90, rocker-arm 89, and rock-shaft 83, oscillates the feeler 82, all in timed relation with the sucker-arm movements, as seen. If the sheets fed are relatively thin, or if the rate of advance of the continuousconveyors 18, 19, is unduly rapid for the rate of iminution of the stack, the position of the feeler 82 will progressively come further and further forward toward the press, and correspondingly, through its connected rocker-arm and lever system. (elements 83, 89, 90, and 91) the controlrod' 96 will be maintained in its upper range of positions, such that the finger 98 is free from engagement with the lever 99, and correspondingly, the lock 102 is swung into position over the pawl 61, thereby holding it for the time being out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel 60. On the other hand, when the pile diminishes more rapidly, or the rate of forward movement of the endless conveyors 18, 19, is relatively too slow, the feeler 82 swings further and further back, and correspondingly the control-rod 96 is thrust further and further down until the finger 98 engages the lever 99 and swings the lock 102 away from the pawl 61. The latter thereupon engages the wheel 60, and each throw of the arm 63 is effective to ratchet the shaft 59 forwardly, correspondingly driving through the gears 58, 5'7, shaft 56, and gearing 55, 53, to the chain-drive shafts 4'7 and 25. As long as the control finger 98 is down, the lock 102 is off, and the lever 91 continues to operate. The progression of the endless belt conveyors 18, 19, is thus closely con trolled to the feed-rate requirements under all conditions, being stepped forward or'retarded as at any particular time necessitated by the re-v quirements. correspondingly, the foremost sheet of the stack, as presented to the sucker-tips of the feeder, is always in correct position for engagement thereby, whether the sheets to be fed are thick or thin. As one board or separator 30, with its thereby-carried stack of sheets, is advanced well toward the front of the table, the attendant may insert another in position to the rear, it being merely necessary to set the board or pusher 30 in place against the rear brackets 31, with the stack of sheets between the guide-arms 35. As the next cleats come along with the chain, this board 30 is picked up and is advanced with its stack toward feeding position. When the first stack has been fed out the board 30 is simply withdrawn and the next stack is in line. If a space has been left between the stacks, the conveyor may be quickly stepped up into proper feed position by turning the handle-crank 106 or the hand-wheel 107, as appropriate. A tooth-guard 108 may advantageously be provided, such that when set with the position shown in Fig. 10 against the ratchet teeth, the pawl 61 rides down thereon and instead of catching the lowermost tooth can catch only the one above. On the other hand, when the guard 108 is set out of position, the pawl 61 can catch the lowermost tooth and the ratchet and shaft 59 are correspondingly then stepped up twice as far for each throw.

As thus seen, the supply of stock as presented to the swing arm of the feeder may be maintained in proper position therefor. By reason of the capacity of the feed table, the replenish-' ment by successive stacks to the rear is required at such intervals as to involve relatively infrequent attention on the part of an attendant, and the feed of the press may be carried along continuously without interruption.

Other modes of applying the principle of the invention may be employed, change being made as regards the details described, provided the means stated in any of the following claims, or the equivalent of such, be employed.

I therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as my invention:

1. In mechanism of the character described, a feed-table, endless conveyor means for forwarding stacks of sheets thereover, stack panel-boards,

1 between said guide-arms.

blocks securable to said boards, and means permitting adjusting the position of said blocks, said means including slot-ways carried by the separator panel, and bolts in such slot-ways for setting the position of the blocks.

2. In mechanism of the character described, a feed-table, means for progressing stacks of sheets thereover, separator panels movable along with the stacks of sheets, handle-means on said panels, and reinforcement strips at each end.

3. In mechanism of the character described, a feed-table, endless belt-type forwarding means along each side thereof, track-channels for inner run of said belts, cleats at spaced intervals connected to respective pairs of belts, and means for inhibiting disalignment of the belt-type forwarding means, said means including spaced rollers adjacent the cleats.

4; In mechanism of the character described, a feed-table, endless belt-type means for progressing a stack of sheets therealong, pawl and ratchet means for driving said belt-type means, means in extension from a printing press in association for driving said pawl and rate et means, locking '1 means for holding said pawl out of engagement with said ratchet, a lever engaging said lockingmeans, a control rod having a projection engageable with said lever, a feeler in advance of a stack of sheets on said table, and connections between said feeler and said control rod whereby the position of the feeler determines the position of the control rod projection with respect to said lockoperating lever.

5. In mechanism of the character described, a support, atable mounted thereon, means permitting regulating the inclination of said table, guide-arms extending along said table, means permitting regulating the position of said guide-arms, and endless belt-type means for progressively moving stacks of sheets along said table between said guide-arms.

'6. In mechanism of the character described, a support, a table mounted thereon, means permitting regulating the inclination of said table, guide-arms extending along said table, a bar supporting said guide-arms, means permitting regulating the position of said guide-arms relative to said bar, and endless belt-type means for progressively moving stacks of sheets along said table 7. In mechanism of the character described, separator panels for backing stacks of sheets, continuous-type means for self engaging and advancing said panels and stacked sheets, and

;means for supporting said panels in the path of the'latter until picked up thereby.

8. In mechanism of the character described, separator panels for backing stacks of sheets, endless conveyor means for self engaging and advancing said panels and stacked sheets, and

brackets for supporting said panels in the path of the conveyor meansuntil picked up thereby.

9. In mechanism of the character described, a feed table, separator panels for backing stacks of sheets edgewise on said table, continuous-type means for engaging and advancing said panels and stacked sheets over said table, and means for supporting said panels in the path of said advancing means until picked up thereby.

10. In mechanism of the character described, a feed table, separator panels for backing stacks of sheets edgewiseon said table, endless conveyor means for engaging and advancing said panels and stacked sheets over said table, and brackets for supporting said panels in the path of said advancing means until picked up thereby.

11. In mechanism of the character described, a feed table, feed-means continuously advancing over said table, and means for temporarily holding a stack of sheets in the path of said continuously-advancing means to be picked up thereby.

12. In mechanism of the character described, a feed table, endless belt-type means along the lateral edges of said table, and means for temporarily holding a stack of sheets in the path of said endless belt-type means to be picked up thereby.

13. In mechanism of the character described, a feed table receiving stacked sheets edge on, endless belt-type means for progressing a stack of sheets along said table, pawl and ratchet means for driving said belt-type means, means in extension from-a printing press in association for driving said pawl and ratchet means, a lock member swingable into and out of engagement with said pawl, a lever adapted to swing said lock member, and an axially advancing control rod engageable with said lever.

14. In mechanism of the character described, afeed table receiving stacked sheets edge on, endless belt-type means for progressing a stack of sheets along said table, pawl and ratchet means for driving said belt-type means, means in extension from a printing press in association for driving said pawl and ratchet means, a lock member swingable for holding said pawl out of engagement with said ratchet, a weight normally tending to hold said lock member against said pawl,.a lever for swingingsaid lock member out of engagement with said pawl, and an axially advancing control rod'engageable with said lever.

15.- In mechanism of the character described, a feed table receivingstacked sheets edge on, endless belt-type means for progressing a stack of sheets along said table, pawl and ratchet means operated by a shaft from a printing press in association therewith, locking means for holding said pawl out of engagement with said ratchet, a control rod reciprocable into the path of said locking means for. controlling the position thereof, a feeler in advance of a stack of sheets on said table, and connections between said feeler and said control rod.

" CHARLES F. ROOT. 

